Real Name: Maarten de Jong
Stage Name: Maarten de Jong
Origin: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Genres: Uplifting Trance, Progressive Trance, Tech Trance, Vocal Trance
Years Active: 2000s–present
Roles: Producer, DJ, Composer, Remixer
Labels: A State of Trance, FSOE, Armada Music, In Trance We Trust, Black Hole Recordings, Damaged Records, Flashover Recordings, and various leading trance labels
Associated Acts: Armin van Buuren, Paul Oakenfold, Mark Sherry, Sean Tyas, Ferry Corsten, RAM, Allen Watts, Ben Gold, and numerous artists from the international trance community
Introduction
Maarten de Jong is a Dutch trance producer and DJ renowned for his powerful productions, exceptional versatility, and consistent presence within the global trance scene. Over the course of his career, he has successfully navigated multiple trance styles, ranging from uplifting and vocal trance to harder-edged tech trance, while maintaining a distinctive melodic identity.
Known for combining emotional melodies with energetic production techniques, de Jong has earned support from some of the biggest names in trance music. His productions regularly appear on major radio shows, festival stages, and label compilations, making him one of the most respected Dutch artists of his generation.
His ability to adapt while remaining faithful to the essence of trance has helped him build a lasting reputation among both listeners and fellow producers.
Early Career
Maarten de Jong began producing electronic music during a period when Dutch trance was experiencing worldwide popularity.
Influenced by the sounds of:
- Armin van Buuren
- Ferry Corsten
- Tiësto
- Paul van Dyk
- Above & Beyond
he developed a production style centered around:
- Strong melodies.
- Driving energy.
- Emotional progression.
- Technical precision.
- Dancefloor functionality.
His early releases quickly demonstrated professional production quality and attracted attention from respected labels within the trance industry.
Rise Within the Trance Scene
As his catalog expanded, Maarten de Jong gained recognition for his versatility and consistency.
His productions became popular because they successfully balanced:
- Melodic emotion.
- Club energy.
- Modern sound design.
- Powerful arrangements.
- Broad audience appeal.
Support from major DJs helped elevate his profile internationally, leading to releases on some of the most influential labels in trance music.
His ability to produce both uplifting anthems and harder tech-trance tracks made him particularly valuable within the scene.
Musical Style
Uplifting Trance
Many of Maarten de Jong\’s best-known productions are rooted in uplifting trance.
These tracks often feature:
- Euphoric melodies.
- Emotional breakdowns.
- Powerful climaxes.
- Driving percussion.
- Inspirational atmospheres.
His uplifting productions are admired for their energy and emotional impact.
Progressive Trance
Throughout his career, he has also explored progressive trance.
His progressive releases frequently include:
- Deep grooves.
- Atmospheric textures.
- Gradual development.
- Melodic sophistication.
These productions showcase a more refined and immersive side of his artistry.
Tech Trance
A defining aspect of Maarten de Jong\’s versatility is his ability to produce harder trance material.
His tech trance tracks commonly feature:
- Aggressive basslines.
- Driving rhythms.
- Darker atmospheres.
- Peak-time energy.
- Powerful drops.
This side of his catalog has earned support from DJs who favor high-impact trance sets.
Vocal Trance
Maarten de Jong has also contributed significantly to vocal trance through collaborations with singers and songwriters.
These productions often emphasize:
- Emotional storytelling.
- Strong melodic foundations.
- Uplifting themes.
- Memorable vocal hooks.
Notable Tracks and Releases
“Tundra”
One of Maarten de Jong\’s most recognized productions, celebrated for its driving energy and uplifting melodic progression.
“Reincarnation”
A trance anthem showcasing his ability to combine emotional depth with modern production techniques.
“Phoenix”
A powerful uplifting trance release featuring soaring melodies and energetic arrangements.
“Zephyr”
A melodic trance production admired for its atmospheric textures and emotional progression.
“Colour”
A fan-favorite release demonstrating his gift for memorable melodies and polished production.
“Freefall”
A track highlighting his versatility and ability to balance uplifting emotion with club-focused energy.
“Placebo”
One of his harder-edged productions, reflecting his tech-trance influences and peak-time sensibilities.
“Big Sky”
A vocal trance collaboration that showcases his ability to work effectively with vocalists while maintaining strong melodic foundations.
Releases on A State of Trance and FSOE
His contributions to major trance labels have played a significant role in expanding his international audience.
Signature Sound
The Maarten de Jong sound is characterized by:
- Powerful uplifting melodies.
- Driving trance energy.
- Modern production quality.
- Tech-trance influences.
- Emotional breakdowns.
- Strong arrangement structures.
- Festival-ready dynamics.
- Dutch trance craftsmanship.
These qualities have helped establish him as one of the most versatile producers in contemporary trance.
Notable Tracks and Releases
“Tundra”
A defining release in his catalog, known for its uplifting energy and memorable melodic progression.
“Reincarnation”
A powerful trance production combining emotional depth with modern sound design.
“Phoenix”
A euphoric uplifting trance anthem showcasing his melodic strengths.
“Zephyr”
An atmospheric trance journey highlighting his progressive influences.
“Placebo”
A harder, tech-trance-oriented release demonstrating his versatility as a producer.
“Colour”
A fan favorite celebrated for its emotional melodies and polished production.
Recognition
Maarten de Jong has received support from many of the most influential figures in trance music, including:
- Armin van Buuren
- Ferry Corsten
- Paul Oakenfold
- Sean Tyas
- Aly & Fila
- Markus Schulz
His productions have become staples on major trance radio shows and festival stages around the world.
Within the industry, he is respected for his consistency, versatility, and commitment to high production standards.
Legacy
Maarten de Jong has established himself as one of the Netherlands\’ most dependable and versatile trance producers. Through a career spanning uplifting, progressive, tech, and vocal trance, he has consistently delivered music that balances emotional resonance with dancefloor power.
His catalog reflects the evolution of modern trance while remaining rooted in the melodic and energetic principles that define the genre. As both a producer and DJ, Maarten de Jong continues to influence the global trance scene, maintaining his position as one of the most respected artists in contemporary trance music.